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This list was originally published in 2015.
These days, it feels like the titleStar Warsrefers to battlesaboutthe movies, notinthem.
But if youre suffering fromStar Warsfatigue, the movies themselves are the best cure around.
Here are the 50 finest, fromA New HopetoThe Rise of Skywalker.
Note: To keep the comparisons fair, weve only included moments from the theatrically releasedStar Warsfeature films.
The wooshing and whirring and exploding that results gives the action a relentless rhythm all its own.
His subsequent death in the arms ofhis comrade and partner Baze Malbusadded poignancy to his sacrifice.
This guy wasbornto live in the clouds, dispensing intimidation and sex appeal as it suits him.
Leias space walk (Episode VIII: The Last Jedi)
There is another.
For a long, long time, we had to take Yodas word for it.
Sadly, it seems well never get to see Carrie Fisher cutting down chumps with a lightsaber.
But her escape from certain death in deep space was a knockout moment nonetheless.
conversation following their escape from First Order fighters aboard the salvaged Millennium Falcon.
Bounty hunters(Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)
Bounty hunters.
We dont need their scum.
Oh, Admiral Piett, if only you knew.
Lo and behold, thats exactly what he did.
And of course theres his murder of his own father, Han Solo, a screw you, Dad!
moment that puts every kid whos peeled out of the driveway blasting Papa Roachs Last Resort to shame.
Were all fine here, now, thank you.
TheStar Warssaga isnt exactly famous for its laugh-out-loud moments; this one is priceless.
The Jedi mind trick(Episode IV: A New Hope)
You dont need to see his identification.
These arent the droids youre looking for.
He can go about his business.
What in the hell just happened?
look of satisfaction on Sir Alec Guinnesss face as Kenobi dupes these goons that makes the moment magic.
Han mocks the princesss idea: What an incredible smell youve discovered!
Its a techno-thriller, a creature feature, and a black comedy all rolled into one.
The kiss(Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)
Shes a princess.
Together, theyre erotic dynamite!
No, it does not.
It is what it is.
Halfway between Dr. Frankensteins Its alive!
Ask literally any child you know and youll get the answer.
The circle is now complete.
When I left you, I was but the learner.
Now I am the master.
All in less than 12 parsecs if you round down.
Luke Skywalkers observance of the two-sun nightfall above the desert sands of Tattooine is a perfect example.
Countless subsequent blockbusters, even entire franchises, have come and gone without achieving this scenes iconic impact.
Uhhh … you do realize youre talking about a franchise involving space slugs, right?
If you dislike these pint-size guerillas, youre probably a Sith.
And I get that actors Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen had a weird sort of anti-chemistry.
As if thats a bad thing!
Whyshouldntgenre filmmakers look there for inspiration?
The breakneck speed and phenomenal sound effects more than earn the podrace a place in theStar Warschase-sequence pantheon.
Rey finds Luke(Episode VII: The Force Awakens)
The return of the Jedi.
But the moment itself outweighs it all.
Its a vulgar display of power and an unwitting demonstration of hubris, all in one fell lightsaber swoop.
Ian McDiarmid, though?
That guy is having the time of his life.
Its this blend of menace, might, and mirth that makes the emperor such a lovably loathsome archvillain.
Do, or do not.
There is no try.
And from that Muppet mouth emerged the series second-most-famous maxim.
I dont believe it!
That, a weary Yoda replies, is why you fail.
Obi-Wan vs. Anakin(Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)
You were my brother, Anakin.
Its as if their emotions, and not the rivers of molten rock, generated all the heat.
On that score, this tragic grudge-match succeeded beautifully.
Darth Vader unmasked(Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)
Theres light beneath the darkness after all.
But theres a strength and dignity in that ruined face that his more intimidating disguise never had.
Its hard to overstate just how well the trick worked.
the galaxysrealscum and villainy.)
Its a tank, more or less it just so happens to be shaped like a giant robotic dinosaur.
My own old AT-AT lives on as my little nieces pet to this day.
But do you have to be such ajerkabout it, dude?
The most powerful, it turns out, was right beside him all along.
For me, thiswasStar Wars.
And what goods a prisoner if you cant conduct a prison experiment, right?
Its too much for Leia, who finally tells him how she really feels: I love you.
But it doesnt matter, because the work done here speaks for itself.
It hurts because its supposed to.
In our moment of triumph?
I think you overestimate their chances!
Theres Luke Skywalker, heeding Obi-Wans voice from beyond and trusting the Force to guide him.
Theres the last-minute return of Han Solo, who knocks an incredulous Darth Vader (WHAT???)
out of the running with a joyous yawp and delivers the immortal lines Youre all clear, kid!
Now lets blow this thing and go home.
Dont each of these beats merit their own entry?
Maybe, but that would miss the point.
You couldnt ask for a more perfect metaphor for how the Dark Side triumphed.
Its impossible to look at that uncanny face and not root for its success.
Han Meets Chewie (Solo: A Star Wars Story)Theres abeast?Isnt there always, Han?
